Soil is defined as the thin layer of loose material on top of bedrock that provides support and nutrients for plant growth. It is a mixture of mineral grains, organic materials, water, and gas that is formed through the weathering of rock by water, weather, and living things. Humus, which is made of decayed organic matter, is found in the topsoil and adds nutrients to the soil. Different components of soil include clay, silt, sand, minerals, and organic matter, and factors such as parent rock, climate, and time impact soil formation.